A. Programme Specification and Curriculum Map for

MSc Biomedical Science (Specialism)

1. Programme title / MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)
2. Awarding institution / Middlesex University
3. Teaching institution / Middlesex University
4. Programme accredited by / The Institute of Biomedical Science
5. Final qualification / MSc/PGDip/PGCert Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)
PGCert Biomedical Science
6. Academic year / 2013/2014
7. Language of study / English
8. Mode of study / Full-time and Part-time
9. Criteria for admission to the programme
Candidates must meet at least one of thefirst two criteria below:
i. A good honours degree (minimum 2.ii) or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject (i.e. majoring in Microbiology).
ii Applicants with other qualifications and / or substantial work experience in biomedical science will also be considered under the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) scheme. Past learning or experience will be mapped against existing programme modules within the programme and the mapping will be considered at the accreditation board.
iii Overseas Candidates should also be competent in English and have achieved, as a minimum, one of the following standards: IELTS-6.5; TOEFL – 60.
Applicants with a disability can enter the programme following assessment to determine if they can work safely in the laboratory. The programme team have experience of adapting teaching provision to accommodate a range of disabilities and welcome applications from students with disabilities.
10. Aims of the programme
The programmes aim to prepare students for independent research careers in academia, diagnostic laboratories or the biotechnology sector.
The PGCert Biomedical Science aims to:
  • Equip students with a mastery of the fundamental principles and recent advances in biomedical science.
  • Provide students with sufficiently detailed information about the modern technologies used in diagnostics and research to enable them to apply these to complex problem solving in the investigation of disease
  • Enable students to understand and use the principles of laboratory management, safety, quality control, research and statistical methods in their professional lives.
  • Enable students to critically evaluate legal requirements for human and animal experiments and ethical issues relating to research with human subjects and human tissue.
  • Give students the ability to critically evaluate current research literature in biomedical science, and an acquisition of the skills for lifelong learning
  • Allow students to develop mastery of management, leadership and communication skills, teamwork, writing and presentation skills
The PgCert Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) aims to:
  • Equip students with a mastery of the fundamental principles and recent advances in biomedical science within the specific specialism of Medical Microbiology.
  • Give students a thorough grounding in the fundamental mechanisms underpinning the major pathological processes.
  • Provide students with sufficiently detailed information about the modern technologies used in diagnostics and research, within a specific specialism, to enable them to apply these to complex problem solving in the investigation of disease
The PgDip/MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) aims to:
  • Equip students with a mastery of the fundamental principles and recent advances in biomedical science within the specific specialism of Medical Microbiology.
  • Give students a thorough grounding in the fundamental mechanisms underpinning the major pathological processes.
  • Provide students with sufficient detailed information about the modern technologies used in diagnostics and research to enable them to apply these to complex problem solving in the investigation of disease.
  • Enable students to understand and use the principles of laboratory management, safety, quality control, research and statistical methods in their professional lives.
  • Enable students to critically evaluate legal requirements for human and animal experiments and ethical issues relating to research with human subjects and human tissue.
  • Provide students with the tools to acquire the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relevant to their chosen research project.
  • Give students the ability to critically evaluate current research literature in biomedical science, and an acquisition of the skills for lifelong learning
  • Allow students to develop mastery of management, leadership and communication skills, teamwork, writing and presentation skills.
In addition, on completion of the MSc the successful student will:
  • Have acquired the design, critical analysis and practical skills necessary to carry out an individualised experimental research project.
  • Have developed the skills to evaluate literature in the context of their current research and propose new hypotheses relevant to their research.

11. Programme outcomes
A. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this programme the successful student will have acquired mastery of:
  1. The aetiology and pathology of common diseases
  2. Ethical and legal issues in biomedical science
  3. Diagnostic techniques
  4. Research methods
  5. Leadership skills and laboratory management
/ Teaching/learning methods
Students gain knowledge and understanding through lectures, seminars and laboratory work, self study (both directed and self-directed) and online learning.
Assessment Method
Students’ knowledge and understanding is assessed by both summative and formative assessments, which include seminar presentations, written assignments including laboratory reports, seen practical and theory examinations.
B. Cognitive (thinking) skills
On completion of the PGCert, PGDip or MSc programme the successful student will be able to:
1. Develop ideas through the evaluation of appropriate literature, concepts and principles
2. Design a research project
3. Analyse, present, judge, interpret and critically evaluate biomedical data
4. Debate ethical and legal issues in biomedical science
5. Develop a research project
6. Critically assess health risk factors associated with working in a research or diagnostic laboratory
In addition on completion of the MSc the successful student will be able to
7. Propose new hypotheses relevant to discipline
8. Critically evaluate their research findings in the context of the literature research / Teaching/learning methods
Students learn cognitive skills through analysis of research literature and undertaking a research project that they have designed themselves, including consideration of the inherent ethical and health and safety implications.
Assessment Method
Students’ cognitive skills are assessed by written work, examinations, presentations and a research project.
C. Practical skills
On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to:
1. Competently perform advanced biomedical laboratory techniques in accordance with health and safety guidelines
2.Recognise and respond to moral, ethical and safety issues, which directly pertain to biomedical science
3. Correctly perform quality control and assurance procedures
In addition on completion of the MSc the successful student will be able to
4. Carry out research experiments / Teaching/learning methods
Students learn practical skills through laboratory practical classes, and undertaking a research project.
Assessment Method
Students’ practical skills are assessed by laboratory reports and dissertation.
D. Professional Skills
On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills
  2. Demonstrate leadership and managerial skills
  3. Demonstrate competence in the use of information technology
  4. Demonstrate numeracy and problem solving skillsat a high level
  5. Manage a research project and use a range of research skills
/ Teaching/learning methods
Students acquire graduate skills through lectures, seminars, practical laboratory work, literature searches, peer presentations, videos and online presentations, research project
Assessment method
Students’ graduate skills are assessed by presentations, self-assessment and project work.
12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements)
12. 1 Overall structure of the programme
The programmes can be studied over either one-year full time or two years part time.
For a PGCert in Biomedical Science, full-time students will complete the four 15-credits core modules whereas for a PgCert in one of Medical Microbiology, students will take the four 15-credits specialist Medical Microbiology modules in one year. For both awards, part-time students will normally take two modules in each of the two years.
Full-time PGDip and MSc students will take the four core modules and the four specialist modules over an academic year. In addition, the MSc students will take a 60-credits project module during the Summer term. Students cannot start their projects until they have passed all taught modules.
Part-time PGDip and MSc students will take three modules in each of the two years. Only the MSc students will undertake a research project after passing all taught modules.
The total number of credits required for an award is: 60 credits for a PGCert;
120 for the PGDip; and 180 for the MSc.
12.2 Levels and modules
From the academic year 2010/11 the University has changed the way it references modules to state the level of study in which these are delivered. This is to comply with the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This implementation will be a gradual process whilst records are updated. Therefore the old coding is bracketed below.
Level 7 (4)
COMPULSORY / OPTIONAL / PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
All students must take the following for the PGCert Biomedical Science:
BMS4667
BMS4777
BMS4877
BMS4977 / None / Not applicable
All students must complete the 4 modules that form the Medical Microbiology specialism in order to gain the PGCert Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology): / BMS4417
BMS4427
BMS4437
BMS4447
All students must complete the following for the PGDip and in addition to this must complete the four modules that form the Medical Microbiology specialism:
BMS4667
BMS4777
BMS4887
BMS4977 / BMS4417
BMS4427
BMS4437
BMS4447 / Successful completion of all modules
All students must complete the following for the MSc and in addition to this must complete the four modules that form the Medical Microbiology specialism:
BMS4667
BMS4777
BMS4887
BMS4977
BMS4997 / BMS4417
BMS4427
BMS4437
BMS4447 / Successful completion of all modules
12.3 Non-compensatable modules (note statement in 12.2 regarding FHEQ levels)
Module level / Module code
7 / All modules
13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules
See Curriculum Map attached.
14. Information about assessment regulations
The assessment regulations are the general university regulations.
15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support
Not-applicable
16. Future careers
A qualification at Master’s level is increasingly becoming a requirement for progression via a PhD into a research career. A Master’s degree is also an important means for health care professionals to develop the skills necessary to progress from specialist practitioner (currently BMS2) to higher specialist practitioner (currently (BMS3).
17. Particular support for learning (if applicable)
We have specialist laboratory facilities for the development of practical skills. Our new laboratories for research and postgraduate teaching are based at Hendon. These include a molecular biology lab for techniques such as DNA sequencing, real-time PCR, electrophoresis, HPLC, MS, as well as a fully equipped proteomics facility.
Access to specialist journals will be provided by Middlesex University Library and at the hospital campuses. For ease of access for students based at Hendon, the library has facilities for inter-library photocopying of any articles required. Other articles may be obtained from the British Library in London where a similar arrangement for photocopying articles exists.
A student may undertake a research project at their workplace where relevant and possible; supervisors there should hold the FIBMS qualification or equivalent, and can access the Laboratory Mentorship programme at Middlesex University to help them support the student.
Applicants with a disability can enter the programme following an assessment of their needs, and to determine if they can work safely in the laboratory. The programme team have experience of adapting the programme to accommodate a range of disabilities in students on the biomedical science programmes and welcome applications from such students.
Learning resourceservices and facilities at Middlesex include a CAL suite and internet access as well as English learning and Language Support
Learning resources and other support for modules is delivered via myUniHub.
18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system) / B900
19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s) / Biomedical Science
20. Reference points
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
Internal Documentation:
  1. Middlesex University (2006) Learning Framework Document. London, MU
  2. Middlesex University (2011) Middlesex University Regulations. London, MU
  3. Middlesex University (2011) CLQE Handbook. London, MU
  4. School of Health and Social Sciences (2008) Assessment Policy and Strategy. HSSC
  5. Biomedical Science Programmes (2007) Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
External Documentation:
  1. IBMS (2009) Criteria and Requirements for the Accreditation and Re-accreditation of MSc degrees in Biomedical Science. London, IBMS
  2. Quality Assurance Agency (2008) Framework for Higher Qualifications, London, QAA
  3. Quality Assurance Agency (2007) QAA Subject Benchmarking Group: Biomedical Science. London, QAA
  4. Department of Health (2009) The Future of the Healthcare Science Workforce Modernising Scientific Careers: The Next Steps A Consultation. London, DoH

Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.

1

Curriculum map for MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)

This section shows the highest level at which programme outcomes are to be achieved by all graduates, and maps programme learning outcomes against the modules in which they are assessed.

Programme learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding / Practical skills
A1 / Aetiology and pathology of common diseases / C1 / Competently perform advanced biomedical laboratory techniques in accordance with health and safety guidelines
A2 / Ethical and legal issues in biomedical science / C2 / Recognise and respond to moral, ethical and safety issues, which directly pertain to the biomedical science
A3 / Diagnostic techniques / C3 / Correctly perform quality control and assurance procedures
A4 / Research methods / C4 / Carry out research experiments
A5 / Leadership and laboratory management
Cognitive skills / Professional skills
B1 / Develop ideas through the evaluation of appropriate literature, concepts and principles / D1 / Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills
B2 / Design a research project / D2 / Demonstrate leadership and managerial skills
B3 / Analyse, present, interpret and critically evaluate biomedical data / D3 / Demonstrate competence in the use of information technology
B4 / Debate ethical and legal issues in biomedical science / D4 / Demonstrate a high level of numeracy and problem solving skills
B5 / Develop a research project / D5 / Manage a research project and use a range of research skills
B6 / Critically assess health risk factors associated with working in a research or diagnostic laboratory
B7 / Propose new hypotheses relevant to discipline
B8 / Critically evaluate research findings in the context of the literature research

MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)

Programme outcomes
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / B6 / B7 / B8 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5
Highest level achieved by all graduates
7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7
Module Title / Module Code
by Level / Programme outcomes
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / B6 / B7 / B8 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5
Laboratory Leadership and Management / BMS4667 / x / x / x / x / x / x
Biomedical Ethics and Law / BMS4777 / x / x / x / x
Experimental Design and Statistics / BMS4887 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
Advanced Bioanalytical Techniques / BMS4977 / x / x / x / x
Research Project / BMS4997 / x / x / x / x / x / x / X / x / x / X / x / x / x
Infectious Agents / BMS4417 / x / x / x / x / x
Human Infectious Diseases / BMS4427 / x / x / x / x / x
Control of Infectious Disease / BMS4437 / x / x / x / x / x
Laboratory Diagnosis and Safety / BMS4447 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x

1

Programme Assessment Schedule

Learning Week / Exam Period
Module
Number / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 *
Core
BMS4667 / FI / SI
BMS4777 / SI
BMS4887 / FI / SI2 / SI1
BMS4977 / F1 / SI1 / SI2
Micro
BMS4417 / F1 / F2 / S1 / S2
BMS4427 / F1 / S2 / UE
BMS4437 / F1, F2 / S1, S2
BMS4447 / F1 / F2 / S1 / S2

Key

FI = Formative Individual Coursework SI = Summative Individual CourseworkCE = Summative Clinical Examination

UE= unseen exam

* Week 24 or final coursework deadline

1

1